Road Loads

Chapter 4 – Road Loads n Aerodynamic drag (in –X direction)

n Aerodynamic lift (in –Z direction)
n Tire rolling resistance
n Road gradient (hills)

Drag Coefficient, C D Density of Air, ρ

1
DA = ρV 2CD A Eqn. 4-2 Air pressure
2
Drag force Frontal area
of vehicle  Pr  519 o F  lbf ⋅ sec2
ρ = 0 .00236   
 29 .92 inHg  460 F + Tr
o
Density of Vehicle Drag 4
 ft
air velocity coefficient
Air temperature
Eqn. 4-4 kg
ρ = 1 .202 (Bosch Automotive Handbook, p. 339)
m3

1
 Frontal Area of Vehicle, A Typical Frontal Areas
Vehicle Frontal Area
2 2
For passenger cars, GM 1-Ton full size van 3.35 m 36.0 ft
2 2
A ~ 0.9 * Height * Track Ford Minivan 3.25 m 35.0 ft
2 2
Chrysler Minivan 2.97 m 32.0 ft
(Bosch Automotive 2 2
Height Handbook, p. 338) Typical U.S. Sedan 2.30 m 24.7 ft
2 2
5 passenger Volvo ECC 2.01 m 21.6 ft
2 2
1991 Honda Civic DX 1.80 m 19.4 ft
2 2
GM Experimental Ultralite 1.71 m 18.4 ft
2 2
Track Renault VESTA II 1.64 m 17.6 ft

From: http://www.partnumber.com/ev/handbook/aerodynamics.html

Drag Coefficient, C D Typical Drag Coefficients

Drag Coefficients Cd for a range of Vehicles
Average 1975 U.S. Estate Wagon 0.60
Average 1979 U.S. Car 0.48
Figure 4.20 GM 1-Ton full size van 0.47
Average 1987 U.S. Car 0.37
Average 1992 U.S. Car 0.33
Chrysler T-115 1990 Minivan 0.32
1986 Subaru XT Coupe 0.31
Best 1993 U.S. Sedan 0.29
General Motors Electric Impact 0.19
GM Sunraycer Solar Car 0.13
From: http://www.partnumber.com/ev/handbook/aerodynamics.html

2
 Drag Power Example Problem #1
Drag force, lbf
PD = D A ⋅V Velocity, ft/sec n Estimate the drag force and the drag
power required on a GM Electric
 
 ft   D ⋅V Impact vehicle at
PD = (lbf ) ⋅ 
1hp
  = A hp 60 mph (97 kph)
 sec  550 ft ⋅ lbf
¡
 550
 sec2 
What is the “equation” when DA in lbf, V in mph and PD in hp?

What is the “equation” when DA in N, V in kph and PD in kW?

Example Problem #2 Aerodynamic Lift and Drag

n Estimate the drag force and the drag

power required on my ’96 Ranger at
¡ 30 mph (48 kph)
¡ 60 mph (97 kph)
¡ 75 mph (120 kph)

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Other Aerodynamic Effects